Cover Letter

 

Alex Casanis
193 Gloucester Place, London NW16BU United Kingdom

Having worked currently as CIO in IT Business has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and meet strategic business operational demands along with IT and Web projects' developments and implementations in Retail and Social Media sectors, Energy and Finance sector. Moreover, having worked as CEO, CIO, COO in Retail Business, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain (distribution center) also as business Consultant and finally in industry sector. I know also very well the International, UK, Spain, Russian, Ukraine, Greek, Balkans and Middle East market of Information Technology and Supply Chain and business creation and management.

 

I am an expert in up to date Technologies, Supply chain, Logistics procedures including: Just in time, 4PL, Routing, Bar Coding, HIBC, Wireless networks and RFID. Expert IT, consultant, Manager Director for Financial founds like Mytilineos SA also business management expert for energy and oil companies like EDESA SA (Spain) and Alumina factories like ALCAN of Canada or Defense Company like METKA,ELVO (Mercedes Jeeps for army and Tanks Leopard, Submarines).

 

Project Consultant in ERP systems implementations, IT transfer are combined with my previous technical experience as Project – Support – Network – Computers – Automation – Electronics Engineer.

 

                  Consequently, I have the background to construct skills when it comes to Management of organizations business administration and IT field operations. Considering time tables within budgets' borders; HR management in balance with IT Systems’ specification analysis; cost effective financing procedures and marketing demands along with yield management and lean systems.

 

Moreover, having solid technical background and deep knowledge of retail and E-commerce and Industry business therefore I can translate the business requirements to technical specifications and vise versa. According to above, I have capabilities in order to establish and maintain deep relationships and requirements ensuring customer satisfaction, technology adoption and adaption, revenue growth and partners’ engagement.

 

I am perceptive, intuitive and assertive. I am also very persistent and thrive on the results of my job. I enjoy working with people and have a proven record of motivating and encouraging team members to achieve their goals and meet tight deadlines. During my career services I analyzed, managed and successfully completed all projects.

 

In addition, I am motivated, enthusiastic and willing to improve myself becoming a successful professional, and would appreciate the opportunity to meet you considering company’s business success. Therefore, I rest my CV at your disposal.

 

                  Nevertheless, I can promise that meeting with me will not be a waste of your time—and I will make myself available at your convenience, during or outside of normal business hours. Moreover, since I’m EU citizen and satisfy legislative requirements, there are no obstacles to arrange an interview whilst in case that we’ll establish our cooperation to relocate.

 

Alex Casanis

Information Technology Expert

 

Technical Business ProficienciesIT Business concepts:

TSO, ITIL, ITSM, SLA, SDLC, PMBOK, Agile PM, Prince 2, TQM tools, Six Sigma, JIT, Lean Systems.

 

Database and Web Systems: ORACLE 8.0.5. – 8.1.7, SQL Server 2005 & 2008R2, MySQL, PHP, X-HTML, Ajax, RSS, CSS, Gupta 7.0 All Isam databases.

 

CISCO Administration: IP Phones, Routers, Switches, Wireless Access Points, Web Cams, Call Manager.

 

SINGULAR Software applications: Eurofasma, SRS 1, SRS RELEASE 2, SRS 2D, Intelichain, SEN, Control, One Touch Retail.

 

ERP software applications: Microsoft Dynamic Navision & LS Retail installation and configuration.

SAP modules (FI, FSCM, CO, MM, SD, PP, QM, HR), SAAS SYSTEM.

 

System & Users Administration: Active Directory, Exchange Email Server, MS Office – Project – Visio, Open Office, VMWare ESXi 4.1\5.1 environment, including VSphere and VMWare

 

Operating Systems: Windows 95 till 7, Win Server 2000 till 2008R2, MacOs until 9, Linux Ubuntu 11.04., AS 400, Sco unix 5.0.0,5.02,5.0.4,5.06, Linux (Suse ,redhat etc), Solaris (Sun), Informix 4gl for sco 7.20, Informix dynamic server 7.x, Unix scripts, c++ (not advanced).

 

Maintenance: Printers such as Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Laser, Cash register Fiscal POS printers (IBM - WINCOR – POSIFLEX).

 

Programming Languages: Visual basic 3.0,4.0,5.0,6.0 .NET Enterprise Edition with specialized knowledge in Building client server Database applications, Reporting services, Informix 4GL-SQL (Unix), Gupta SQL Windows, Visual Interdev, Cobol (Microfocus) Unix & dos, Turbo Pascal (Index Files), Clipper 5.3 with CA-TOOLS, Dbase IV, MS Pascal (UNIX), Crystal Reports, Low level programming with C on UNIX, RPG 400.

 

Microsoft environments : Windows Client technologies ( 2000,XP,Vista, All previous releases), Windows Server Technologies (Windows server 2008,2003,2000 NT4 and all previous releases, All roles e.x. Active Directory with multiple sites etc), VMWARE ESX Server, Virtualization (Virtual Server, Virtual PC, Hyper-V), High Availability clusters & Storage & Blade systems, Exchange 2003, 2007, Operation Manager 2005,2007, System Center 2007 (Configuration manager, Virtual Machine manager), SQL Server 6,6.5,7,2000,2005,2008 , SQL Language (Advanced Level), Microsoft SQL Reporting services (all versions), Visual Studio 2003,2005, 2008, Veritas products (BackupExec), IIS 5,6,7,Certificate server, DNS server, DHCP Server, Routing and Ras Server ,Dynamic Web (ASP pages fully dynamic sites and ASP.NET),Web Services (.NET services), ISA server 2000,2004,2006, Visual basic (ALL version 3,4,5,6,.NET),Visual C++ ,Informix New Era, Informix 4gl for windows, Informix Dynamic server, Microsoft Office and Access All previous versions and 2007 plus VBA, Terminal Services, Antivirus services (Central antivirus server and quarantines),Antivirus mail services (Symantec etc), Content filtering services, Spam Filtering services, GFI Mail Essentials, Gfi Mail security, Install shield Developer Setup tool.

 

Networking: TCP/IP. Proven professional experience with Tcp/Ip networks on Lans and Wans using routers, hubs, isdn lines, leased lines, Frame Relay, Wireless networking and very good Knowledge of routing and bridging. Windows Server Technologies NT4, 2000,2003, 2008 file & printing services, web services, terminal services, networking services and remote access services, active directory services, VPN. Internet Information Server 4.0, 5.0,6.0 (All web technologies) Support, installation and maintenance of DNS Servers. Support, installation and maintenance MS Exchange Server 5.5 , 2000, 2003, 2007. Support, installation and maintenance MS Proxy Server, ISA 2000 Firewall Server, ISA 2003. Netscape Mail Server. Support, installation and maintenance 3com routers, Cisco routers. Cisco networking, VOIP, call manager, call manager express. Novell system.

 

 

Work Experience

 

(Head of merchandising of Gucci (Milano). Nautica Timberland La Martina For South Europe 10 countries. Spriderstores – Fashion retail company with 150 stores, business like Zara).

 

 

Work Experience

 

 

Jan 2017 –Current Wirecard Bank Munich, SVP EMEA / Business Leader/Senior Programme Manager/Client Management/Technology/ FinTech,Mobile Products & Payments – Munich, Germany.

 

Leading, versus containing, innovation. Maintain innovation by creating rules and restrictions to inhibit how the non-IT

teams use internal data, networks and technology.

Leading innovation by anticipating requirements for new applications and services and by enabling access to internal

data with the proper controls in place to manage risk and network security.

Partnering with, versus supporting, Sales and Marketing departments.

I’m specialized regarding banking software, such as e-Wallet solutions, Credit Card solutions as well as Bank Loyalties

programs.

Following up design, implementing customized solutions regarding our client accounts in ASIA and Oceania. Create a

special datacenter for the new customers, hiring and staffing the data sectors in Wirecard’s Data Center such as system

administrators, developers, sales and PMs.

Design and provide new web banking systems, future e-solutions as well as Mobile Application enhancements for our

existing clients.

My tasks:

• SVP EMEA.

• Sales Director for ASIA and Oceania.

• Client Delivery director.

• Director of QA Dept (Quality Assurance and Analysis of business cases from technical specs/design and analysis

ie.: Java, Soap, Web Services, SDK, XML). Owner of Jira tracking software (e-wallet, Add Money services, Pay -

Send money, Payment POS).

• Deputy Director of Java Development Teams (iOS & Android Team) for Banking software & Mobile application

Solutions (API solutions, e-commerce, credit cards clearance, financial wallets like PayPal) and ATM design

program and mocap’s. Team leader of ATM programming using XFS API accessing ATMs from our card

management system.

• Create and set up e-portals including SSL security for Mobile apps including managing testing for (User

Acceptance environments (UAT) and Production).

In Synopsis:

I have extensive experience in IT project management working methods and documentation. I have enhanced this

experience with formal training that provides me with a well-balanced view of these processes. I have a commitment to

a high standard of work, can determine priorities, manage my time effectively and work independently when required.

I have always worked well within a team, supporting members of my team and developing good working relationships. I

am confident I would be a great asset to the company.

 

 

July 2015 – December 2016 Head of IT (CIO) Centralus PLC Group. (HQ Glasgow)

                              

Director of IT dept. of the group, giving IT services as CIO, organize, implementing and design the upcoming IT transferring in SAP. Budget £500k manager of 20 people, SAP programmers, administrators, help desk, App programmers. Main duties define strategy roadmap (3-5 years) and delivery.

 

• Authorize and oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance and support of all enterprise hardware, software, networking and telecommunications systems.

• Responsible for disaster recovery and business continuity, including planning, documentation, implementation and testing for all platforms.

• Provide advises and Monitor servers, websites and related hardware which support software (e.g. throughput, switches, patch panels, racks, routers, firewall, etc.)

• Responsible to provide and establish technology Infrastructure strategic planning, goals, objectives, and operating procedures

• I am the only one responsible to Recommend equipment, supplies and materials (e.g. purchase equipment, lease equipment, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring required items and completing jobs efficiently.

• Designer computer networks (e.g. the internet, webmail, FTP servers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective and efficient operating systems.

• Network security WatchGuard & Cisco ASA 5550-X

• Deploy SharePoint CRM for customer care and sales Dept.

• Use Jira project management software.

 

 

 

 

 

March 2014 – June 2015: Head IT Consultant, ARGOS Group, London hub, Victoria

 

Project Management role incorporating delivery of multiple IT projects on time, within budget, scope and in accordance with the governance guidelines.

 

• Maintenance alignment of IT strategy with the Company’s business goals.

• Setup technical aspects of all Business Cases including specification, procurement, design, configuration/development and implementation.

• Management of any 3rd party provision of infrastructure, desktop and systems support.

• General Management and ensured appropriate governance of all IT risks within the Company.

• Managing a team of software developers. Using Jira, Agile

• Management of third party suppliers.

• Management of general IT infrastructure

 

 

 

 

March 2013 – March 2014: Volution Holdings Ltd.   SAP - (IT transferring) Customizations and Interfaces Developer, Logistics services (1-year Fixed Term Role) Crawley, West Sussex

 

• IT services as CIO, year (1) fixed contract Through my personal consultancy company (keyconsult IT services LTD London) to Volution. The company had identified the need for an SAP - Customizations and Interfaces Developer for an initial year (1) period

• Volution was currently at the starting phase of an SAP upgrading project for 4 companies within the group, they currently do not have SAP Customization and Interface development skills within the team

• Forty interfaces have been identified and replicated, some tasks were simpler than others involving the creation of extracts and upload programs to e.g. labelling software and others are a more complex egg. EDI and e-commerce

• Logistics services and infrastructure for evolution distribution center

• Ownership of key pieces of development projects on the creation of extracts, and upload programs. E.g for labelling and with forecasting software, e-Commerce solution.

• Liaise with the project core business team and key stakeholders in the business to evaluate interface requirements and translating these requests into technical requirements.

• Ownership of some interface development work, specification, creation (using tools like Service connect, SQL extracts, potentially DMT tools and Service connect managing data upload, validation and correcting problems during user testing

• Ownership of the implementation and promotion of these enhancements

• Aiding with and customisation work e.g Configuration of data entry screens

• Aiding with specifying and setting of user profiles

• SAP

• Cognos BI (create cubes for reporting)

• Service Connect

• SQL Server

• The configuration of data entry screens

• Setting up security for access to data and creation including user profiles

• Use Agile project management software

 

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DEC 2008 - March 2013:  CEO - CIO– in Nautica & Timberland (South Europe), CEO south Europe, (Nautica & Timberland, La Martina

 

Responsible for management and strategic direction for all group 6 countries (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus)

 

• General Manager for the merchandising and buyer Dept. CEO for our branches in south Europe 10 countries

• Commercial director of Nautica, La Martina, Timberland for all south Europe regions

• Retail Director includes stores (150 stores with 200 POS and 800 employees)

• Hiring people for our EU branches and Stores. More than 120 people

• Business consultant, company strategy likes to analyze new techniques for the retail stores, for the sales, proposals for the stock count and inventory, increasing sales. (One of my proposals was because we were a fashion company with high-value goods, it was better to send the new collection to the stores by waves as opposed to once at the beginning of the season. In this way, you entice the customer to come multiple times to your store

• We had increased our sales by 70% and also the returning back goods at the end of the season decreased by 65%)

• 9 years in the fashion market, Knowledge of Apparel – shoes   

• The new custom retail software’s using iPhones and IPads like POS (exactly like Apple stores in NY) with e-commerce also module (Online with the distribution center)

• Loyalty club, Social media with 1 MM fans, CRM, ERP

• Recruitment for the people of IT dept and for the managers in the retail stores (recruitment about 180 people and more)

• Implementation for all groups the Navision system and LS retail for headquarters and stores and for another 9 countries

• Microsoft SQL BI system for forecasting, budgeting, KPI's

• Implementation Aberon WMS system and LM7 and SAP supply chain software for a logistics company of the group

• Responsible for 55 people in the IT dept.

• Use Jira project management software

• Development Cisco technologies routers and Voice over TCP, Cisco Unified Call Manager 4.2 for HQ and call manager express for stores and other countries. (This installation includes 1000 phones all over Europe.) (Alcatel Wi-Fi, VLAN's, PDA’s for the new logistics company)

• Manager Director for the development, implementation and operation of reverse logistics with automated robotics systems. A unique system in Europe

 

CEO Handling SA

 

General Director and CIO of the new Distribution center of Nautica in Europe. Created from scratch. I had the responsibility for IT and operations transfer for the old one to the new one. Was one project 20 million euros with 100% success. Responsible for the development of logistics activities and for operations with a focus on quality and efficiency management, budgeting etc. Responsible for IT budget and operations over to 2 Million euros. (LM7 WMS, SAP Supply chain). Bring up new technics and know-how from the USA like reverse logistics. A unique system for fashion retail distribution center in Europe.

 

 

 

 

2006 OCTOBER -2008 November:  CEO-CIO,  Sprider Stores & Trendino (Retail stores across EU like ZARA)

 

• CIO, Administration & Organization, business consultant for the Sprider Stores.

• Retail director for 6 countries

• Responsible for management and strategic for all group about IT and Supply chain. Implementation for all the group, Navision system and LS retail for headquarters and for another 6 countries with 120 stores.  Also, implementation LM7 and Aberon WMS system and SAP supply chain software for a logistics company of our group 

• Negotiation with the partners, the localization of ERP for 6 countries

• Deploy Microsoft Business Intelligence software

• Custom software linked with Navision for stock-count

• Consolidated data to central ERP

• Award from Microsoft as the best CIO in Europe, centralize ERP consolidate data using Navision ERP. Copenhagen 2007

• Cognos BI platform for forecasting, budgeting, KPI's

• Hiring people for our EU branches and Stores

• The IT.  dept. consists of 50 people, where was under my supervision. (6 countries).

• IT budget over to €1 MM euros. The data center, Cisco technologies routers and Voice over TCP, Cisco Call Manager 4.2 for HQ and call manager express for stores and other countries. (This installation includes routers, phones for all our branches in Europe)

• Create from scratch new one fashion shoe company (Tredino shoes SA) for the group Sprider Stores SA. Establishment of company, creation and staffing of parts for a retail company such as merchandising, business management, supply chain, financial services etc, opening stores in Greece and Cyprus

 

 

2000    December- September 2006: CIO, Group IT Director - Mytilineos Holding

 

Global Information technology manager for all companies of the group (Mytilineos Holding, MΕΤΚA Olympic Games Constructor), ELVO (Defence - Automotive), ADG Aluminium De Grece, Endesa Spain ) (Oil gas company & Energy, Metals, constructions)

            

• Responsible for managerial & technical matters as well as future group orientation and operations

• Network and Database Administrator, as well as Programmer and Analyst

• Databases Administrator for Oracle and SQL Server

• Implementation, analysis and setup of the new ERP program, which has been established in the Company SAP, BAAN for ELVO Automotive company of the group (Production line for Mercedes Jeep for the ARMY). The ERP Dept. dept. consists of 15 people

• Implementation, analysis and creation of a Data Warehouse system for the Company and its ten (10) subsidiaries

• Upgrading and connecting the subsidiaries to the global network

• Administrator of the computer system as well as Advisor on technical matters regarding the telecommunication system and the selection of the Company’s technical equipment

• The M.I.S.  dept. consists of five (5) people, who are under my supervision

• Very good knowledge of Treasury Systems (Reuters, Bloomberg, use Agile project management software)

 

1997 August-June 2000: MIS Manager – Hellenic American Union (Dept. US Embassy in Athens)

(Country Examinations Manager, Greece)

 

• Business advisor for the exams systems of the English language in the schools of US Embassy in Athens. Certificate from Michigan University to the students

• Bringing High technology in the exams of English and of CISCO certification, using the Sweden elections computerize system. Implementing and setup for our standards

• Network and Database Administrator, as well as Programmer and Analyst

• Re-engineering of the structured cabling system after a renovation of the Company, as well as authorizing the selection of appropriate technology and telecommunications equipment

• Country examinations Manager, reorganize the English examinations of Michigan University in Athens with OMR system, online viewing grades from web and business administration for the schools of Hellenic Union

 

 

May 1992-August 1997: as MIS Manager Athens Concert Hall

 

System Administrator for 4 mini frame (VAX digital 4100) and 200 PC's, 4 NT servers and 2 Novell servers. Organization of the online reservation system for both Central reservation offices and points of sales. Development and maintenance of special library software for the purpose of providing the public with online information and education on classical music and on the artistic events held at the Athens Concert Hall. This project was a joined activity of the Company and the European Union. Administrator and programmer of BOCS British Box Office software system.

Academic Education
➢ 1999   University of Harvard Graduate, Masters Computer Science & IT: Information Technology
➢ 2006   (MSc) in Signal Processing and Communications Systems: Theory, Implementations and Applications Of Patras University.  July   2006.
Diplomas
➢ 1993   Diploma in Applied Computer Science: Control Data Corp. 3 years (Graduated with distinction)
Seminars
➢ Mastering Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0, 6.0  (advanced)
➢ Microsoft System Engineer 1 year program
➢ Microsoft Certified SQL Server
Languages
Hellenic (Greek): Native
English: Native
French: Very Good
Russian: Very Good

Personal Skills
Open-minded and optimistic personality, able to work under pressure, responsible and duty devoted, able to deliver effective results working with very strict deadlines. Having outstanding learning abilities is able to secure constant professional development and construct managerial skills.  Due to the character strength and flexibility being a team player, possess the ability to establish leadership capabilities and maintain good working relations with people.
References Available Upon Request

 

I am expert in e-shop and e-commerce business. Huge projects as buyspot.co.uk, bathstore.com, Argos

group e-commerce, Goldenbrands.gr, buyspot.gr, marisafe.us, official Timberland e-commerce site US.

Expert in social media certified from Google & Facebook with worldwide case studies.

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My Regards,
Alexios Casanis